UK Prime Minister Allegedly Favored Older People 'Accepting Their Fate' Over Lockdowns, COVID-19 Inquiry Reveals

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The information came to light through a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between the Prime Minister and his aides, which were submitted as evidence to the ongoing COVID-19 inquiry.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson allegedly expressed a preference for older people to 'accept their fate' rather than imposing lockdowns during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the ongoing COVID-19 inquiry, it was revealed that UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson allegedly expressed a preference for older people to 'accept their fate' rather than imposing lockdowns. This information came to light through a series of WhatsApp messages exchanged between the Prime Minister and his aides. The messages were part of the evidence submitted to the inquiry. The Prime Minister's office has not yet responded to these allegations.

The messages were reportedly sent in the early stages of the pandemic, when the government was considering its response. The Prime Minister allegedly argued against lockdowns, suggesting that they would cause more harm than good. He reportedly expressed a belief that older people should be allowed to 'meet coronavirus head on'.

The inquiry is examining the UK government's handling of the pandemic, including its decision-making processes and the strategies it adopted. The revelation of these messages has sparked controversy and raised questions about the government's approach to protecting vulnerable populations during the pandemic.


Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • The Prime Minister's office has not yet responded to these allegations, which could potentially change the narrative.

Sources

80%

  • Unique Points
    • The inquiry heard that Johnson had suggested that the over-80s could be left to 'accept their fate' rather than being protected by lockdown measures.
  • Accuracy
    • The Financial Times article contradicts this by stating that Johnson never suggested that the over-80s should 'accept their fate'.
  • Deception (90%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (75%)
    • The article uses emotive language to describe Johnson's alleged comments, which could be seen as an attempt to portray him in a negative light.
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (85%)
      • The Guardian is owned by the Scott Trust, which aims to ensure the newspaper's editorial independence and liberal values. This could potentially introduce a bias in the way stories are reported.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
        • The author, Peter Walker, has previously written articles critical of Boris Johnson and the Conservative party, which could potentially introduce a bias in his reporting.

        83%

        • Unique Points
          • The article provides unique insight into Johnson's denial of the allegations made against him.
        • Accuracy
          • The Guardian article contradicts this by stating that Johnson suggested that the over-80s should 'accept their fate'.
        • Deception (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Fallacies (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Bias (80%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (90%)
          • The Financial Times is owned by Nikkei Inc., a Japanese media company. While the FT maintains its editorial independence, the ownership could potentially influence the newspaper's reporting on international affairs.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
            • The author, George Parker, has previously written articles critical of Boris Johnson and the Conservative party, which could potentially introduce a bias in his reporting.

            79%

            • Unique Points
              • The article discusses the importance of WhatsApp messages as a record of the government's decision-making process during the Covid lockdown.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Fallacies (100%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication
            • Bias (70%)
              • The article is an opinion piece and therefore inherently contains the author's bias.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (75%)
                • The Telegraph is owned by the Barclay brothers, who have been known to support conservative causes and politicians. This could potentially introduce a bias in the newspaper's reporting.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (80%)
                  • The author, Camilla Tominey, has previously written articles supportive of Boris Johnson and the Conservative party, which could potentially introduce a bias in her reporting.